Traditions...

...every family has them, and one of ours is visiting Iowa every summer.  No trip is complete without our trip to Adventureland!  I was worried our trip to Iowa wouldn't be the same without Donnie.  I was afraid it would be too sad or my heart would ache too much for him being surrounded by his family without him.  I was wrong, it wasn't the same, but it was a wonderful trip full of summer traditions that made life feel "normal".  I love seeing Katie, John, and Luke playing with their cousins, Grandpa and Grandma, and especially their Uncles. 

We spent our first night in Iowa at Adventureland Inn relaxing and swimming!



I love this picture of all the kiddos!

The next morning after breakfast and a little more swimming at the hotel we hit Adventureland Park! 

I love the look on Luke's face, priceless!
His first time on the Log Ride.

I have no idea how we did it with 9 kids, but we spent 10 hours at Adventureland.  What a great way to start off our Iowa vacation!

Skating Day!

The kids have been looking forward this rainy day all week! As I mentioned the other day, we planned out our week of summer fun based on the weather.  The kids have been dying to go to Showtime Skating!   Katie has been telling the boys all about it since she went to a birthday party here a few months ago.  It was everything she said it would be and more! They LOVED it!

Katie showing off her skating moves!

John loved racing!

Luke started off skating with elbow
and knee pads and the skating bar. 

And ended up flat on his back more than a few times!

He finally got the hang of it!
He skates best with his tongue
hanging out!  He was hilarious to watch!

My favorite picture of the day!

My skating partner for the day!
I love this pic too!

It was the perfect day to skate away! 

Thompson Park & Zoo

Picnic in the park, a trip to the zoo, and ice cream! A perfect summer day! The kids and I planned our week of summer fun based on the forecast. That seems like smart idea, right? No rain in sight! Except in the middle of our picnic lunch it started to rain, and I don't mean a little sprinkle. We finished our picnic in the car, and waited the storm out....

The kids thought it was fun
eating in the back of the Expedition.

We decided to visit the zoo while the playground dried out a bit. We love it when we get to see the black bears....

Mama Bear

RRR-ARRR! 
Katie pretending she is bear coming out of her cave!

Seeing the mountain lion up close.

Playing on the web.

Group picture in the butterfly exhibit!

The sun came out and dried out the playground. It was a beautiful afternoon, and the kids were able to spend lots of time running and playing together. 

Enjoying the tire swing together!

Ice cream cones before heading home!

We had a wonderful day together, just the 4 of us. I am afraid to even type this (for fear I will jinkz us) but I think we might just be finding our summer groove. They are all growing up so quickly. I want to hold on to the special memories we make each day. I want to make sure I remember the funny or sweet things they say and do each day. I think my favorite thing about summer is being able to spend so much extra time with my babies!

Happy Summer!

Summer Fun!

The kids and I had a wonderful time in Texas!  When we weren't visiting old friends, at the beach, fishing or celebrating something special then we spent our time hanging out and having some good ole summer fun!

The boys spent hours shotting the BB guns!
I am lucky they didn't shoot their eyes out!

Relaxing on the porch!

The kids love to feed the horses carrots!

Exploring in the backyard!

Splashing in the water!

Eating delicious food!

Riding bikes!

Playing with their second cousins!

Loving on their Mimi!

Playing football!

If you asked the kids the best part of our Texas trip they would say, Carter, Parker, and Ryder!
I love how much they love each other!
It makes me wish we lived closer! 

Girlfriends...

are so very special!  I am thankful that time apart doesn't take away true friendships! 

I love that I was able to see several old friends while in Texas.  I had a wonderful weekend getaway with my college girlfriends in Austin! 

Elizabeth, me, and Julie after an
amazing overnight stay at the W!

I love that you can relax and be
silly just like old times with girlfriends!

I love that the Army really can be a small place.
I was able to visit my friend Karin who is
at Fort Hood while on my way to Austin.
Who knows where the Army will take us next?

John was able to spend the
weekend with his friend Caden!

I love that as young as they are they know the importance of true friendship!  It was as if no time had passed since they last saw each other a year ago.  They picked right up where they left off! 

I find that is true of my old friends as well. True friendship creates a special bond between people that isn't broken by time apart or separation.  I have that same bond with my friends. 

Jaime, Kristi and I were best buddies while in middle school.  Jaime and I have been friends since 3rd grade, and it always feel like no time has passed when we see each other.  It was great to all be together again!   

 I love seeing our kiddos meet each
other and make new friendships!

Being an Army wife has challenged me in a lot of ways, but I am thankful for all of the friends I have made during Donnie's time in the Army.  They love and support you in a way only an Army wife can because she understands the unique circumstances of your life. 

The kids and I spent a wonderful day the Westcott Beach State Park with our friends, The Crows.  Thank you for making this deployment bearable.  I can't wait until our next day of summer fun!

Playing in the sand!

The boys in the water!

All seven kiddos buried in the sand!

"Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart." 
~ Eleanor Roosevelt

 

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